From 'Pretty' to Pride: Embracing My Name

0:00On April 1st, pretty Uphaya Carr grew up hating her name because no one could pronounce it right. Born to Indian parents, her name pretty means something beautiful. But in the UK and later the US, it got twisted into pretty, sparking endless. Teasing and awkward moments from school days through corporate jobs. She dodged introductions whenever possible, letting friends speak for her or shrinking back at places like Starbucks. Mispronunciations like Purdy or Petri followed her everywhere, building years of shame that made her question her own identity. That constant dread shaped her social life, turning simple hellos into anxiety triggers and reinforcing a sense of not fitting in across two. Countries. Then in 2004, she landed a job in Mumbai and everything shifted. Her boss nailed the pronunciation on day one pre-dye and suddenly everyone around her got it perfect from shopkeepers to colleagues. Hearing her name said right unlocked a new confidence that stuck with her, even back abroad. Now she owns her heritage proudly and makes a point to learn others names correctly, turning past pain into everyday strength.